Helen Carolyn (Susich) Saunders passed away in Eureka on Aug. 15, 2026. She was born in Eureka on Feb. 20, 1934. She was the first daughter of Joseph and Matilda (Hibser) Susich. Three years later she became a big sister to Janice (Susich) Gugliemena.

Helen went to school at St. Bernard’s from kindergarten through 8th grade. After graduating from Eureka Senior High School in 1952, she attended Eureka Business College.

In 1954, Helen met the love of her life, David Saunders. They married on Aug. 28, 1955, and started their lives together in a little home on McCullen Street. In 1956, the two love birds welcomed their first child, Anita. From there Helen and Dave welcomed more children; Cheryl (1958) and Steven (1959). With the family growing, Helen and Dave built a home on Highland Place and there they welcomed their fourth and last child, Allen (1961). They built the house in 1960 and that’s where they stayed, raising their family.

In a life filled with achievements, it’s hard to choose what accomplishments Helen felt most proud of. As a child, her father bought her a violin from a traveling salesman, and it ignited a love for music that continued into adulthood when she played with the Humboldt Symphony Orchestra. For four years, over the course of six weeks in the summer, Helen was the camp cook at Camp Hetton Cove at Ruth Lake. Each summer she would feed over 100 men and growing boys a full breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

In adulthood, with the kids no longer babies, Helen took up quilting. She found great joy and personal pride in making quilts and other projects. In 1977, along with a few other like-minded individuals, Helen founded the Eureka Quilt Guild. She was one of the two remaining founders before her passing. She entered numerous fairs, winning ribbons several times over. For Helen, heaven will be a room filled with fabric, quilting supplies, and a well running sewing machine.

To joyously greet Helen in heaven will be her husband David, her parents, Joseph and Matilda, as well as her sister Janice, and son-in-law, Daniel Seekins, along with countless loved ones.

Those left to carry on her legacy are children, Anita Seekins, Cheryl Saunders, Steven Saunders, and Allen (Gretchen) Saunders; grandchildren, David (Angela) Stark, Carrie (Alan Wheeler), Ana Seekins, Benjamin (Amanda) Cooper, and Ross (Taylor) Seekins. Several great-grandchildren, family members, and friends will also carry on her memory.

Funeral services will be held Friday, Aug. 28, 2026 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. Viewing begins at 12 p.m., with mass to follow at 1 p.m., and burial at 2 p.m. at the Oceanview Cemetery. Reception will follow burial at the family’s home.